Quick fastening device



1366- 9, 1952 o. J. POUPITCH QUICK FASTENING DEVICE 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 Original Filed Feb. '7, 1945 fi 94 150 22 W o. J. POUPITCH QUICK FASTENING DEVICE Original Filed Feb. 7, 1945 Dec. 9, 1952 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 Patented Dec. 9, 1 952 2,620,538 QUICK FASTENING DEVICE Ougljesa Jules Poupitch, Chicago, Ill., assignorto Illinois Tool Works, Chicago, 111., a corporation.

of Illinois Original application February 7, 1 945, S erialNo, 576,592. Divided and this application November 10, 1948, Serial No. 59,277

16 Claims.

The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in fasteners adapted: for use with an apertured work structure having opposed surfaces tobe' clampin ly-engaged, and more particularly to such improvements in fasteners wh ch, include a nov l otary stud. w means for clamping. the opposed: Surfaces of the work s ructure.

- Fastener devices adapted toquickly attach and detach sheet-metal parts, such, as cowling parts of an. airplane; have heretofore been used extensively in certain fields. Generally speaking, most of. these cowl fasteners have employed, as one element thereof, a relatively expensive sheet metal stamping- It hasv also been common practice to. use, in association with such sheet metal stampings, a stud member equipped with a rigid lateral lug for engaging a cam-like surface on the sheet metal fastener-part. The present invention proposes the use ofa fastener of simple yet durableiconstruction which precludes thenecessity. ofemploying expensive sheet metalstampings as well as high cost stud members. To'this: end, the present invention contemplates a quickly operable fastener device which incorporates-a stud member of novel and efi'iciently operable design having a, plurality of resilient arms carried-by the stud member.

An object of the present invention is to provide a fastener device for the above type in which the resilient arms are substantially symmetrically arranged with respect to the stud shank so as to be stressed into firm clamping engagement withithe work structure upon insertion of the stud.

Another object ofthe present invention is to provide a fastener device in which a rotary stud member is equipped with resilient arms adapted to. extend along the peripheral surface of the stud toward the stud head with free extermities of the arms adapted to yieldably clamp work pieces together.

More specifically the invention contemplates a quickly operable fastener device of the type referred to above wherein the resilient arms of the stud member may be stressed or flexed into helical form as the stud is rotated within registering apertures of the work pieces.

Another object qf the present invention is to provide, a fastening device having the general form referred to above in which means is provided adao dzto ens-ass; the resilient ar s. n thereby secure he stud-agains nad t nt and unm tinned osen g 1- uioresu eiii alln the in". rit u v o tentplates a fastenerin which anovel-fastener stud is employed having. arms constructed ofa, length of wire of firm resilient material secured at its intermediate. portion within the. stud body and having opposite. extremities of the wire bent into superimposed relation with, respect to the stud periphery to. provide free extremities positioned externally of the stud for resiliently and lock-1 ingly engaging a clamping surface.

The objects referred to above as well "as other conveniences and advantages, will be apparent from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings; wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fastener con-=. structed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and. shown in operative association with two work sheets or cowling parts;

Figure. 2 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken substantially along the. line 2+2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a rear view of the device as illustrated in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view. taken at right angles to the device as shown in Figure. 3, said view being taken substantially along. the line 44 of Figure 3;-

Figure 5 illustrates the manner in which the fastener stud may-be initially associated with the cowling parts before applying rotation to the stud;

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary detailed sectional view taken substantially along the line 6-45 of- Fig'ure 3 to more clearly illustrate the cam and abutment structure;

Figure 7 is a perspective exploded view of the fastener device illustrating the stud detached from the sheet metal stamping;

Figure 8is a partial view similar to Figure 2 an illustrating the manner in which the entire stamping part of the fastener device ispositioned adjacent the inner workpiece or sheet;

Figure 9 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 isclo in a m i ed. a en r e, pp i to a p r o o k sh ts;

Figure 10 is a view taken substantially along the line Ill-l0 of Figure 9, the stud member being shown in elevation and the associated work sheets being shown in section;

Figure 11 is a plan view of the device as illus-l trated in Figure 10.;

Figure. 12 is sectional view taken at right an of h evices hown. in F ure- Fi re isa leh view (i the e ce s. how in Figure 10 whenitis disassociated from one of the work pieces, said view disclosing the manner in which the resilient stud arms project radially outward a sufficient distance to prevent inadvertent disassociation of the stud member from its associated work piece;

Figure 14 is an exploded view of the three parts illustrated in Figure 9, the resilient arms of the fastener being helically preformed; and

Figure 15 discloses a modified fastener arrangement wherein the locking portion of the inner work piece or sheet is substantially coincident with the plane of said sheet.

Referring now to the drawings more in detail, wherein like numerals are employed to designate similar parts throughout the various figures, it will be seen that the fastener device of the present invention is designated generally by the numeral I0, Figures 1 to 7 inclusive. This fastener device includes a rotary stud structure desi nated by the numeral [2, said stud comprising a shank portion 14 and a head [6 provided at one extremity thereof. The stud is disclosed in association with a pair of work pieces or Cowling parts, namely, an inner part l8 and an outer part 20. The stud I2 is designed to be held within an aperture 22 of the outer work piece or sheet 20.

Particular attention is directed to a pair of resilient work engaging or latching arms 24 supported at the entering extremity of the stud shank M. In the disclosed embodiment the stud shankis bifurcated at the entering extremity so as to accommodate and impinge the intermediate portion of a lengthof wire 'of firm resilient material. The portions of the wire extending from opposite sides of the shank provide the above mentioned firm resilient arms 24.

In the embodiment disclosed in Figures 1 to 7 inclusive, the stud structure is disclosed in operative association with a companion stamping designated generally 'by the numeral 25 which is permanently secured to the inner work sheet by means of rivets 28. The central portion of the stamping is apertured so as to provide an opening 30, Figure 7, for receiving the ,stud shank l4 and radial openings 32 communicating withthe central opening 30 for accommodating the resilient latching arms 24. This opening 39 in the stamping 26 registers with a larger opening 34 in the work sheet I8, Figure 2. As the stud is telescopically associated with the registering apertures 30 and 34, the arms 24 of 'said stud pass through the radial openings 32, opposed radial bounding edges 33 of which present abutment edges for cooperation with the free ends of the arms 24. Arcuate ribs 36, struck up from the plane of the stamping 26 serve to limit the lateral or radial deflection of the free extremities of the arms 24 beyond a limited extent.

Prior to the'association of the stud with the work piece [8 and stamping 26, the arms 24 may occupy either thestraight undeflected relation as illustrated in Figure or may be preformed into a, helix as illustrated in Figure 7. With the stud arms 24 occupying the position as illustrated in Figure 5, wherein they are shown straight or undefiected, subsequent rotation of the stud causes the lower extremities of the arms to engage radial abutment edges 33 of the radial openings 32 so that the arms are caused to ride up thereon into flexed position and to ultimately assume the helical position shown in Figures 2 and 3. In this position each arm becomes lodged between an abutment 38 on one side and a dimple or protuberance 40 on the other side. The dimple 40 may be made by indenting a side section or wall 42 bent upwardly from the margin of the stamping 26, with the curvature or angular disposition of the arms defined by the resiliency thereof in opposition or reaction to the forces applied at the ends thereof. The arms 24 are adapted to snap past the protuberance 40 as they reach the limit of their rotation thereby preventing inadvertent or unintentional loosening of the stud. The abutments 38 constitute extensions from the upper margin of a companion side wall 42.

' It will also be 'noted that as the free extremities of the rms rotatably pass from the radial openings or recesses 32 over the abutment edges 33 and into engagement with arcuate surfaces 44, Figure 6, they'initially pass over a downwardly bent section 46, which serves to facilitate the initial deflection or bending of the arms. To reduce the force required to impart retrograde rotation to the stud, the free extremities of the arms 24 may be slightly rounded. However, in instances where increased resistance to retrograde rotation is desired, the arms may be provided with edges designed to bite into the surfaces 44.

The resilient arms 24 of the stud in Figure 7 are bent into the disclosed helical shape prior to association with the work. The helical and symmetrical arrangement of the arms 24 is preferably such that the lead angle thereof is insufficient to result in complete encirclement of the stud shank l4, thus eliminating mutual overlapping thereof along the shank and permitting substantially axial projection of the stud through the work aperture. As these arms turn with the stud shank they must be further deflected in order for the extremities thereof to slide along the arcuate surfaces 44. It is this additional bending or flexing of the arms 24 which causes them to exert a strong clamping force. The arms 24, as illustrated in Figure 5, are deflected or bent'into helical form during or as an incident to the rotation of the stud within the stamping. In each instance the stud arms are preferably deflected radially outwardly at their free extremities so as to secure the stud within its complementary outer work piece 20. It will be noted in Figure 5 that the arms 24 normally flare outwardly toward their free extremities so as to overlie the stock of the work piece 20 defining the margin of the aperture 22. Thus, when the stud is telescopically associated with the aperture 22 of the work piece 29, the arms 24 will flex inwardly sufficiently'to permit passage of the stud b'ut'will automatically spring outwardly when the arms clear the work piece, thereby securing the stud against unintentioned detachment from the work sheet. It is common practice to employ a plu rality of fasteners of this type with a complementary series of apertures in a work sheet or co'wling part. It is important that these studs, at all times, be held within the work piece or cowling part in readiness for quick association with or detachment from the complementary aperture of the other fixed work part.

In Figures 1 to 7 inclusive, a stamping 25 in the form of a receptacle is disclosed, the central portion of which is spaced from the plane of the fixed or inner work sheet It. The purpose of this spaced relation is to insure disengagement of the or. eachresilient stud arm {becomes completely detachedfrom itsgcompanion stamping upon-partial reverse rotation to the stud; After all oi the studs have been loosenedtheouter plate 2-0-may becompletely removed from association with the inner plate. In. instances where a. single fastener stud is employedthis.problem-is not presentedbecause reverse rotation applied to-tha stud causes it: to be disengaged from the-inner work. pieceand the outer work piece canbe-simultaneously moved. as a unit-With the stud.

In Figure 8 the stamping; is slightly. modified in thatthe centralportion thereof isnot. spaced from the, plane of. the. inner work piece-I8, thus, asreverselrotation, is imparted'to. the stud; the. free extremities. of the stud arms, are soon brought me. engagement. with. the inner surface of the work piece. it. Further rotation. of. the stud causes thegworkiece. 20 tobecome separatedfrom theworkpiece Hi. In instanceswhere two sepaliable workv pieces or sheetsaresecured together by asingle. stud. the structural arrangement disclosed in. Figure 8. may be employed, However, when. plurality of. fasteners are associated with asingle detachable work sheet the form. of stamping shownin Figures lto 7. is recommended.

In Figures 9 to 14 inclusive, a. modified fastener device is shown. The stud member, as illustrated in these figures, issimilar to thestud [2 previously described. with the exception of, a pair of pro.- tuberances 'dziormedon the clamping side of the stud head. The stud, in Figures 9 to 14 inclusive, is designated. generally by the numeral 12a and all of its constituentjportions are given identifying numeralscorresponding to the numeral employedindescribing stud I2.

The stud [2a. is first associated with the outer work. piece 253 by inserting it through the aperture 22. The stud. arms it. normally flare outwardly to the positionshown in Figure 13 so that after the stud has been completely inserted within the sheet 20 the free extremities of the arms overlie the work. In this manner the stud is secured against inadvertent detachment or'loss from the work piece or cowling part 251. The innerwork part 18 is provided with an aperture dad corresponding to the aperture 30' of the stamping'iifi previously described. Radial recesses 3.2a, like the previously described: recesses 32'; are designed to accommodate the resilient arms 26' and present the abutment edges-33c as previously described.

As, the stud 12a is rotatably associated with the aperture 38w. of the Work piece it the free extremities of the resilient arms 2t enga e the materiali of the sheet 18; adjacent the recessestm and are helically sprung. so as to exert aresilient yet firm clamping action against the annular arcuate surfaces idd. It will be noted that-the plane of the surfaces 4461; is spaced from the plane of thework piece it. The arms are prevented from springing radially outwardly lay-the annular rib 35a extruded irom'the sheet iii. After the stud'has been rotated slightly less than 180, the protuberances 52 on thestud head [dare brought into registration with companion apertures. 55., Figures 10. and 14. The resilientor spring action of the arms 2% causes these protuberances to automatically interlock with. apertures 5'4 and thus" secure the stud against inadvertent rotation. In the disclosedembodiment the protuberances 52 are taperedso as to enable disengagement of said protuberances from their complementary apertures 54 when suflicient rotative force is applied to. the stud. In other words. the tures 54 i sufficient. to, prevent unintention d.

I circuiirl.stances,v the outer loosening; of; the stud, but will. permit retrograde ro tationwhendetachment of the stud, from the workpiece I8; is r quired.

The material of the work piece [8 on one side of; each of; the recesses 3211,15 bent outwardly at 56.FiguresIO-and, l2,v so as to facilitate disengagementof thet freeextremities of each of the arms.- 24 as they. are rotated in the direction of loosening (clockwise a -viewed in Figure 11). As these free extremities of the arms 24 approach the-radial recesses 32a, the'outwardly turned portions- 56' serveto guide anddi-rect these free ex tremities into the radial recesses and thus facilitate retrogrademovement of the stud. That is. to say, the outwardly turned portions 56 serve a deflectors to prevent the extremities of the stud arms from passing; over the radial recesses.

From theforegoing. it will beapparent that the deviceshowni-n Eigures9-to 14; inclusive precludes the-necessity of providingan auxiliary or; separate stamping part suchas-the stamping 26 shown in. Figures 1 to '7 inclusive. Also the extent to which thework piece i8 is preformed toaccommodate the stud liiav does notinvolve the use of complicatedor expensive dies. In certain instances it mayonly be necessary to provide a simple opening: consisting of a central aperture and radial recesses. This will enable the rotative entrance of the stud and thesubsequent deflection of the stud arm soas to firmly clamp the work sheets together. By having th locking arrangement in the stud head, the necessity of providing stops or abutment for directly engaging the stud arms is avoided. Hence the present invention contemplates a. quickly operable fastener device which may be produced with the utmost of'economy and which may be used. without necessitating an expensive preforming operation upon either of the work pieces.

Inv Figure 15; a slightly modified fastening arrangement is disclosed. The structure of Figure 15-. is similar in every respect to the device shown in Figures 9 to 14- except that the ex.- truded. lockingv portion is not spaced from the plane of the. work sheet 18... The devices of Figure l5, the device ofFigure 8, is particularly adapted to. be used in instances where work sheets, are designed to be secured together by a single stud. Asv previously pointed out, in connection. with the. description of Figure 8, the locking portion which cooperates with the free extremities oi the resilient arms need not be spaced rom t e plane of the inner or fixed work sheet whenon1y a. single tud is employed. Under such work sheet may be moved away from the fixed sheet or plate immediately upon registration of the extremities of the arms ith the radial recesses 32a.

One of the important advantages resulting from the present invention resides in the adaptability of a stud of a given size to be used with work of various thicknesses. This is accomplished by employing the resilient stud arms which are deflected or stressed as an incident to the rotative association thereof with the work piece. If the thickness of the Work piece isincreased over that disclosed in the drawing, the stud arms will deflect to a greater extent. Conversely, if the thickness of the work piece is less the degre of deflection. of the arms is proportionately less. This'adva ta-ge constitutes a distinct advancemerit over cowl fasteners heretofore employed for a predetermined thickness. of stock wherein a rigid, lateral lug of arotary stud member is designed to. cooperate with a cam surfac interlocking of the protuberances 52 and aperciated with the work. It will also be apparent that lateral shifting or deflection of the stud is resisted by stresses within the portion of the wire material which traverses the stud shank. The extent of such resisting stresses would, of course, be depedent upon a number of factors such as the rigidity of the wire stock and the configuration of that portion of wire which traverses the stud shank.

In the disclosed embodiment of the invention, the distance between the free extremities of the stud arms and abutment surface provided by the stud head is normally less than the overall thickness of the work for which the stud is designed to be used. That is to say, the free ends of the arms 25 are spaced from the abutment IS a distance less than the given thickness of the work structure so that upon stud rotation into clamping position, the arms will be stressed to assume a clamping position at the given thickness of the structure in the vicinity of the aperture therethrough. As shown in the drawing, the lateral work engaging abutment provided by the underside of the stud head is located at one extremity of the stud shank. However, the invention contemplates positioning a lateral abutment at any point along a shank in cooperative relationship with the free extremities of the defiectable or laterally shiftable stud arms. In some applications it may be necessary to employ a shank of considerable length and in such instances the lateral abutment may be positioned intermediate the ends of the shank.

This application is a division of my pending application, Ser. No. 576,592, filed February '7, 1945, now issued as Patent No. 2,608,735, dated September 2, 1952'.

For purposes of illustration, certain specific structural embodiments have been disclosed herein but obviously the invention is not limited to these embodiments but is capable of other modifications and changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. The combination of an apertured work structure having oppositely disposed work surfaces of given thickness adapted to be clampingly engaged and with one of said surfaces presenting a camming abutment, and a quickly attachable and detachable fastener adapted to be inserted through the aperture in said work structure for clamping the oppositely disposed surfaces thereof and including a rotary stud member having a shank portion, a lateral abutment spaced from one end of said shank portion for clampingly engaging one of the work surfaces, an elongated latching arm of firm resilient material flexible in a direction extending laterally of said shank portion and having one extremity thereof secured to said shank portion and an opposite free extremity and said arm ext-ending toward said lateral abutment longitudinally of said shank portion without intermediate encirclement thereof to adapt the stud for substantially axial projection through the work aperture, the said free extremity terminating externally of the periphery of said shank portion and short of said lateral abutment a distance less than the predetermined given thickness of the work structure in the vicinity of the aperture therethrough when in nor mal unclamped position and operable upon stud rotation to engage said camming abutment and to be yieldingly stressed thereby to assume'a position inengagement with the adjacent work 8 surface at the given thickness of said work surfaces from said lateral abutment whereby to yieldingly coact with the said abutment in clamping the work surfaces therebetween, and said latching arm when in work clamping position having a curvature defined in its resiliency in reaction to forces at the opposite ends thereof.

2. The combination of an apertured work structure having oppositely disposed work surfaces of given thickness adapted to be clampingly engaged and having spaced radial slots communicating with the aperture therethrough and said slots presenting substantially radially disposed abutment surfaces, and a quickly attachable and detachable fastener adapted to be inserted through the aperture in said work structure for clamping the oppositely disposed work surfaces thereof and including a rotary stud member having a shank portion, a lateral abutment spaced from one end of said shank portion for engaging one of the work surfaces, a pair of elongated latching arms of firm resilient material flexible in a direction extending laterally of said shank portion and each having one extremity thereof secured to said shank portion and an opposite free extremity and said arms extending toward said lateral abutment longitudinally of said shank portion without intermediate encirclement thereof to adapt the stud for substantially axial projection through the work aperture, the said free extremities of said latching arms terininating externally of the periphery of said shank portion and short of said lateral abutment a distance less than the predetermined given thickness of the work structure in the vicinity of the aperture therethrough when in normal unclamped position, and operable upon stud rotation to engage said radially disposed abutment surfaces and be yieldingly stressed thereby to assume a position in engagement with the adjacent opposed work surface at the given thickness of said work surfaces from said lateral abutment whereby to yieldingly coact with the lateral abutment in clamping the work surfaces therebetween.

3. The combination of an apertured Work structure having oppositely disposed work surfaces adapted to be clampingly engaged and one of said surfaces presenting a cam incline along the margin of said aperture, and a quickly attachable and detachable fastener adapted to be inserted through the aperture in said work structure for clamping the oppositely disposed surfaces thereof and including a rotary stud mem her having a shank portion, a lateral abutment spaced from one end of said shank portion for engaging one of said work surfaces, an elongated work latching arm of firm resilient material having one extremity mounted on the shank portion with the opposite extremity thereof being free and extending toward said lateral abutment, said free extremity terminating externally of the periphery of the shank portion and when in normal unclamped position spaced from said lateral abutment a distance less than the thickness of the work structure in the vicinity of the aperture therethrough and engageable with said cam incline when the stud is subjected to rotation whereby the said free extremity of the arm will be stressed to yieldably coact with said lateral abutment to clamp the work surfaces therebetween, and said arm when in work clamping position having a curvature defined by its resiliency in reaction to forces at its opposite ends.

estates 4. The combination as claimed "in claim i3. whereinthe-work 'stru'cture is provided with said spaced slots "communicating with the aperture therethroughand wherein cam inclines areprovided at opposite edges of eachslot extending along the margin of *s'aidap'erture, and-wherein the pair "of work latching arms is insertable through said slots with the free extremities thereof engageable with said cam inclines when the Stud is "subjected to rotation whereby the free extremities of the arms will be stressed to yieldingly coact withfsaidslateral"abutment'to clamp the worksurfaces therebetween.

5. Thecombination of an'apertured workstructure i'having ..an engagement surface adjacent the aperture "'therethrough and "presenting opposed work surfaces adapted'to be clampingly :e'ngaged, andfaquickly attachableand detachablefastcner including arotar'y 's'tild'mmberihavingrashank pofltidnga lateral work engaging abutment spaced from one end of said shank portion, an elongated work latching arm flexible in a direction extending laterally of said shank portion and having one extremity mounted on said shank portion with the opposite extremity thereof being free and extending toward said abutment, the said free extremity of said arm terminating a distance from said lateral abutment less than the thickness of the work structure when in unclamped position and adapted upon stud rotation to engage said engagement surface for positioning the arm in clamping engagement therewith with the work structure interposed between said free extremity and said abutment.

6. The combination as claimed in claim 5, wherein said lateral work engaging abutment and the adjacent surface of the work structure engaged thereby are provided with mutually interengaging means for resisting unauthorized loosening of the stud member from clamped position.

'7. The combination as claimed in claim 5, wherein there is provided an interengaging releasable connection between the shank portion of said stud member and the work structure for resisting retrograde rotation of the stud member.

8. The combination as claimed in claim 5, wherein there is associated with the work strucstud member in tightening direction.

9. The combination as claimed in claim 5,

wherein the work structure has associated therewith means for limiting radially outward flaring of the latching arm when in clamped position.

10. The combination for use with an apertured work structure presenting opposed work surfaces adapted to be clampingly engaged, of a receptacle adapted to be carried by one work surface and having an aperture in line with the aperture in said work structure, means providing an engagement surface on the receptacle extending along the aperture in said receptacle, and a quickly attachable and detachable fastener including a rotary stud member having a, shank portion arranged for insertion through the work structure and receptacle apertures, a lateral work engaging abutment spaced from one end of said shank portion and arranged to engage the other work surface, an elongated work latching arm flexible in a direction extending laterally of said shank portion and having one extremity mounted on said shank portion with the opposite extremity thereof being free and extending toward said abutment, the said free extremity of said arm terminating a distance from said lateral abutment less than the thickness of the work struc- 10 ture and receptacle whe'nin unclampedpcsiticn and adapted upon stud rotation to engage :said receptacleengagement surface for positioning of thearm in clamping engagement therewith'for clamping the-work structure.

11. The combination as-claimed "in claim 10, wherein the engagement surface on said receptacle is provided with a cam rise "operable to I stress'the'latching arm as thestud member'isfrota'ted in tightening direction.

12. The combination as claimed in "claim 10, wherein "the receptacle 'is .provided with :a wall portion forming a stop flange "engageable with said 'latchingarm 'to'limit rotation o'f-the stud memberintighteningdirection. 7

13. The combination as claimed in claim '10, wherein "the receptacle is lprovided. iwith "awall portion serving to limit radially "outward flaring of the latching arm when in clamped position.

14. The combination :as claimed in "claim 10, wherein said receptacle isprovided-wi'tha detent engageable with the latching arm to resist inadvertent retrograde rotation of the stud member.

15. A fastener assembly comprising, in combination, a quickly attachable and detachable fastener stud adapted to be inserted through an apertured work structure of a given thickness for clamping the opposed work surfaces thereof, and an apertured fastener bracket adapted to be secured to the work structure with the aperture thereof in alignment with the work structure aperture, said fastener stud comprising a rotary stud member having a shank portion, a lateral work engaging abutment spaced from one end of said shank portion for clampingly engaging one of the work surfaces, a pair of elongated latching arms of firm resilient material for clampingly engaging said fastener bracket, said arms being oppositely and symmetrically disposed in respect to the shank and each having one extremity thereof secured to said shank portion with the opposite extremity thereof being free and extending toward said abutment, the said free extremities terminating externally of the periphery of the shank portion a distance from said abutment less than the predetermined given thickness of the work structure and said fastener bracket in the vicinity of the apertures therethrough when in normal unclamped position, said fastener bracket being provided with a cam surface against which the free extremities of the arms are engaged to effect the stressing of the arms, whereupon upon stud rotation the said free extremities of the latching arms upon engagement with the fastener bracket cam surface are stressed to yieldingly coact with said lateral abutment in clamping the work surfaces therebetween, and said latching arms when in clamping position having a curvature defined by their shape and resiliency in reaction to forces at the opposite ends thereof.

16. A fastener assembly comprising, in combination, a quickly attachable and detachable fastener stud adapted to be inserted through an apertured work structure of a given thickness for clamping the opposed work surfaces thereof, and an apertured fastener bracket adapted to be secured to the work structure with the aperture thereof in alignment with the work structure aperture, said fastener stud comprising a rotary stud member having a shank portion, a lateral work engaging abutment spaced from one end of said shank portion for clampingly engaging one of the work surfaces, a pair of 11 elongated latching arms of firm resilient material for clampingly engaging said fastener bracket, said arms being oppositely and symmetrically disposed in respect to the shank and each having one extremity thereof secured to said shank portion with the opposite extremity thereof being free and extending toward said abutment, the said free extremities terminating externally of the periphery of the shank portion a distance from said abutment 'less than the predetermined given thickness of the work structure and said fastener bracket in the vicinity of the apertures therethrough when in normal unclamped position, said fastener bracket being provided with an abutment surface against which the free extremities of the arms are engageable in a radial direction to limit the radial movement thereof, whereupon upon stud rotation the said free extremities of the latching arms upon engagement with the fastener bracket are stressed while being limited in their 12 radial movement to yieldingly coact with-said lateral abutment in clamping the work surfaces therebetween, and said latchingvarms when in clamping position having a curvature defined by their shape and resiliency in reaction to forces at the opposite ends thereof.

OUGLJESA JULES POUPITCH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name 7 Date 845,589 Smith Feb. 26, 1907- 1,462,761 Kugler July 24, 1923 2,077,604 Wiley Apr. 20, 1937 2,159,363 Chaffee May 23, 1939 2,175,814 Pender Oct. 10, 1939 2,208,878 Wiley July 23, 1940 2,373,722 V-on Opel Apr. 17, 1945 

